Grants

Investing in nonprofits that are advancing a new, transformative system of justice with the core values of racial equity, economic well-being, and fundamental fairness for all.

Grants Overview


Public Welfare Foundation awards grants to nonprofits that honor the Foundation’s core values of racial equity, economic well-being, and fundamental fairness for all. The Foundation looks for strategic points where its funds can make a significant difference and improve lives through policy and system reform that results in transformative change.

The Foundation funds organizations that currently hold a 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service working in the United States. Organizations that do not have this status can apply with a fiscal sponsor. The Foundation does not fund individuals, scholarships, direct services, or international projects.

Grant Types: How We Fund the Work

General Support Grants

General support grants are for day-to-day operating costs or to further the work of your organization. These grants are not earmarked for a particular program or project.

Program or Project Support Grants

Program or project support grants support a specific program or activity of the organization. These are restricted grants and must be used for that program or project.

Special Opportunities Grants

The Special Opportunities Program supports projects reflecting the Foundation’s mission and underlying values. These are one-time only grants that are especially timely and compelling. At times, this kind of grant serves as a laboratory for new ideas.

Grants Awarded

Public Welfare Foundation awards grants throughout the year. Please see our database below to see what we have funded. Filter grants by fiscal year and program area.

  • Chicago, IL // 2015

    Gamaliel Foundation

    Support for advocacy to improve access to federally-funded construction jobs for women and people of color.
    Awarded
    $20,500
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Oakland, CA // 2015

    The Employee Rights Advocacy Institute for Law and Policy

    Support to implement a strategic public education campaign to end forced arbitration of employment claims.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2015

    American Civil Liberties Union Foundation

    Support to advance sentencing reform in two southern states.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New York, NY // 2015

    Brennan Center for Justice

    Support for research and advocacy to reform policies contributing to overincarceration.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Denver, CO // 2015

    National Conference of State Legislatures

    Support for efforts to advance understanding of and support for pretrial reform strategies among key state lawmakers.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2015

    National Criminal Justice Association

    Support to assist target State Administering Agencies in taking a leadership role on pretrial reform in their jurisdictions.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2015

    WISDOM

    Support for statewide grassroots education and advocacy activities to advance criminal justice reform in Wisconsin.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2015

    Georgetown University

    Support to the Center for Youth Justice Reform to convene the Youth Justice Leadership Network.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New York, NY // 2015

    Human Rights Watch

    Support for research and advocacy to reduce the number of youth tried as adults in California.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2015

    Justice Policy Institute

    Support to provide state decarceration campaigns with technical assistance on developing policy reports.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice